Photos with this report (click to enlarge) | |||
 Abyssinian Owl |
 Stresemann's Bushcrow |
 Ankober Serin |
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 Spot-breasted Lapwing |
 Blue-breasted Bee-eater |
 Ethiopian Wolf |
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Introduction
This account summarises a three-week birding trip to Ethiopia in search of the endemic species and any other northeast African specialities missed during earlier trips to Kenya. We flew to Addis Ababa from Norwich via Amsterdam with KLM for £540 including tax. Vehicle, driver, guide and accommodation were all arranged by the tour agents Ethiopian Quadrants based in Addis Ababa www.ethiopianquadrants.com. We found our driver, Abby, and our guide, Merid, to be excellent; experienced, knowledgeable and good company. Our vehicle, a tired Nissan 4WD, was less impressive, providing little or no barrier to the copious road dust and frequently refusing to start, thus necessitating numerous bump-starts. Roads were generally unsurfaced, with the exception of the main highway from Addis south to Mega and the road from Addis north to Debre Libanos. Some were exceptionally bad and definitely required 4WD (e.g. the latter part of the road to Sof Omar and cross-country route from Ankober to Awash). Accommodation was often basic, particularly so at Negele, with the notable exceptions being Bishangari, Ankober Lodge and Bilen Lodge. The choice of food was usually restricted to either Ethiopian cuisine or pasta. We found the local injera (a large, grey pancake covered with spiced mutton or beans) to be an acquired taste and we usually went for the spaghetti bolognaise or soup alternative where available. Breakfast (excellent scrambled eggs and tea) was often made for us by Abby and Merid while at birding sites. Along with injera, eggs seem to be an Ethiopian staple, and are a good fall-back despite the obvious consequences.
Birding was excellent, with good numbers of birds and a high diversity of species at all places visited. In the highlands the bird activity was fairly constant throughout the day, but in the hotter lowland acacia areas there was very little activity from late morning until about an hour before dusk. We saw over 400 species in three weeks, including 16 endemic to Ethiopia, a further 16 endemic to the Abyssinian highlands of Ethiopia and neighbouring Eritrea, and 84 species restricted to northeast Africa. We saw all of the currently and widely recognized endemic species with the exception of Nechisar Nightjar (known only from a single road casualty in Nechisar NP). We also saw a good range of mammals, including the endemic and threatened Ethiopian Wolf, Mountain Nyala and Lion.
Wondo Genet
The small settlement around the hot springs at Wondo Genet was our first main birding location after departing the Hotel Lalibela in Addis ($65/ twin, conveniently located near the airport). While at Wondo Genet we stayed in the reasonably comfortable though rather shabby Wabe Shebelle hotel ($30/twin) and birded in the hotel gardens and on the forest trail above the hotel. We found that the plantations above the village had been recently felled by the locals and that the forest itself was gradually being taken for firewood. Given the apparent speed with which the plantation has been removed, it seems likely that this area of forest will be largely cleared in a few years, unless urgent steps are taken to protect it.
The hotel gardens were productive, with Slender-billed Starling, Thick-billed Raven, Tacazze Sunbird and many noisy Silvery-cheeked Hornbills. Grivet Monkeys (a form of Vervet) and Colobus Monkeys were also present. We birded the forest above the hotel in the late afternoon and again early the following morning. The main species of interest were Dark-headed Oriole (separated by call as they appear confusingly similar to Black-headed Oriole), Abyssinian Woodpecker, White-cheeked Turaco, Blue-breasted Bee-eater, Yellow-fronted Parrot, Black-winged Lovebird, White-rumped Babbler and Brown-rumped Seedeater.
Bale Mountains NP
The long, tough road from Shashemene to Gobe was being improved during our visit, which involved the creation of a new road alongside (and frequently crossing) the existing road. This meant that the road was even dustier than usual, with much movement of heavy trucks and other construction traffic, along with some delays due to blasting. However, we managed a few roadside stops along the way which produced our first Wattled Ibis, White-collared Pigeons and Botta’s Wheatears, amongst others. Nearing Dinsho, as we entered the National Park and crossed the Gaysay Valley, a roadside pool held Blue-winged Goose, Rouget’s Rail and some of the very few Spot-breasted Lapwings seen during the trip. A little further on towards Dinsho we also saw Abyssinian Longclaw and the distinctive monochrome albofasciatus race of Stonechat.
Arriving at the National Park Headquarters at Dinsho Lodge ($10/person, shared dormitories) in the early evening just gave us time to find Abyssinian Catbird and White-backed Tit, both in scattered trees just above the parking area. We also heard, and eventually saw, a recently-fledged Abyssinian Owl in a group of tall pines below the lodge.
The following morning we drove into the Web Valley (4WD required) in search of Wattled Cranes. We had no luck with the cranes, but did find many flocks of Abyssinian Siskins and Wattled Ibises as well as more Rouget’s Rails, Moorland Chat, Blue-winged Goose, a single Ethiopian Snipe flushed from a small pool, and our first Chestnut-naped Francolins. The other highlight was four Ethiopian Wolves hunting for giant root-rats and grass-rats, as well as Mountain Nyala and Rock Hyrax.
In the afternoon we returned to the Gaysay Valley, first visiting the roadside roost of a Mackinder’s Eagle Owl (a race of Cape Eagle Owl) before exploring the wooded slopes above the open grassland. Here we saw another Abyssinian Woodpecker along with Menelik’s Bushbuck, Bohor’s Reedbuck and a lone Ethiopian Wolf. We also saw an adult Abyssinian Owl back at the lodge, along with presumably the same youngster as that seen the night before.
For our final morning at Dinsho we explored the wooded slopes around the lodge and entrance road. New species for the trip included a roosting Montane Nightjar, Brown Woodland Warbler and Cinnamon Bracken Warbler, along with Yellow-fronted Parrots. We also had our only sighting of a Spotted Hyena (though others were heard elsewhere), being chased by a Warthog. On the way to Gobe we stopped briefly at the Shaya River to look for African Black Duck, seeing a single female with two ducklings after a short walk upstream, as well as more Rouget’s Rails. Passing through Robe we also saw several Somali Crows/Dwarf Ravens flying over the town.
From our base at Wabe Shebelle Gobe ($24/twin, comfortable rooms, average restaurant) we explored the areas of Juniper forest and cultivated areas above the town and the heath and Heliochrysum moorland of the Sanetti Plateau. We spent two mornings on the Plateau and were fortunate to see two adult Wattled Cranes accompanied by a single juvenile bird. Other species seen on the plateau were Moorland Francolin (especially in the vicinity of the radio tower), Verreaux’s, Lesser Spotted and Golden Eagles, along with more Ethiopian Wolves, Klipspringers and a Stark’s Hare. The fields and forest edge above Gobe eventually produced a ‘Bale’ Parisoma calling from the Hypericum trees. This species has been split by some authorities from Brown Parisoma, which occurs at a lower elevation. Other notable species seen in this area included Yellow-crowned Canary and Abyssinian Ground-thrush.
We camped for one night at the Katcha campsite, located in the Harenna Forest on the south side of the Sanetti Plateau. Birding along the road to the campsite and in the forest above we added a few new species to our list, including ‘Brown’ Sawwing, Brown Wood-owl and a single Rufous-chested Sparrowhawk. A walk to the higher parts of the forest eventually gave good views of some Bale Monkeys, another distinctive form of the Vervet, which is apparently restricted to the more bamboo-rich areas of the Bale forests.
Sof Omar
While staying at Gobe we undertook a day trip to the lowland acacia scrub adjacent to the caves at Sof Omar. This entailed an early start and a three-hour drive along a moderately to very rough road to reach the caves for breakfast. However, the trip was well worth it and we were rewarded with good views of Salvadori’s Serin (mobbing a Pearl-spotted Owlet whistled in by Merid). Other species seen here include Brown-tailed Chat, the dodgsoni form of Dark-head Bulbul, Shining Sunbird, Crested Francolin, Black-billed Wood-hoopoe and Brown-tailed Apalis. We also visited the caves (for the rather extortionate fee of 100 Birr each) which we found to be surprisingly dramatic and very atmospheric. On our return we stopped briefly at a recently ploughed field to watch two foraging Erlanger’s Larks from the roadside.
Negele
While at Negele we stayed at the Green Hotel ($10/person, very cramped and basic with only intermittent cold water) and birded the Liben Plain and adjacent acacia scrub, and an area of roadside forest near Wadera. On route from Dola Mena to Negele we stopped not far from the Genale river area to view two Ruspoli’s Turacos in roadside bushes. These were to be the first of a grand total of 16 individuals seen over a period of three days in the Genale-Negele-Wadera area.
A morning on the Liben Plain was very productive. Fortunately the grass was very short during our visit and we therefore had very good and surprisingly close views of two Sidamo Larks before breakfast, though no others were seen later in the morning despite covering quite a large area of the plain. We also saw two Somali Short-toed Larks, including one singing. The other highlight was at least seven Temminck’s Coursers scattered across the plain. Other species included Black-winged Plover, White-crowned Starling, Pectoral-patch Cisticola, Isabelline Wheatear and Plain-backed Pipit. It seems that very early morning is the best time to look for the larks (and least at the time of our visit). It is also advisable to tuck trousers into socks here as there are tiny ticks in huge abundance. During our visit we noticed that some areas of the plain had been recently ploughed, apparently for growing cereals. This is a new development which perhaps does not bode well for the rare and threatened birds restricted to this habitat.
A visit to the eastern side of the plain, with its scattered acacia scrub, revealed a different group of birds, including Lilac-breasted Roller (of the lorti race, with lilac restricted to the throat), Vitelline Masked Weaver, Kori Bustard and Yellow-bellied Eremomela. Later in the day, in an area of roadside acacia about 10km east of Negele, we found Scaly Francolin, Three-banded Courser, the only Purple-banded Sunbirds of the trip and three Ruspoli’s Turacos, evidently preparing to roost in one of the taller, denser thorn bushes.
We spent a whole morning in an area of forest a few kilometres north of Wadera, exploring from a small trail on the east side of the road. Here we saw up to eight Ruspoli’s Turacos, high in the branches of the taller trees, this time accompanied by White-cheeked Turacos. Another highlight was an adult Ayre’s Hawk-eagle seen soaring over the forest as we stopped for breakfast by the roadside. Other noteworthy species included Abyssinian Ground-thrush, Hemprich’s Hornbill, yet another Abyssinian Woodpecker (our only species of woodpecker at this point of the trip!) and Narina Trogon.
Yabello
The long journey from Negele to Yabello via Melka Guba and Arero took all day and, in terms of sheer variety of birds and habitats, was easily the best day of the trip. Travelling from Negele to Melka Guba we saw many flocks of Golden-breasted Starlings leaving their roosts just after dawn. Arriving at Melka Guba we walked upstream along the Dawa River in the early morning cool before breakfast. Highlights here were Shelley’s Starling, White-winged Dove, Black-bellied Sunbird and a flock of Juba (or Salvadori’s) Weavers. After breakfast we made some roadside stops just a short distance beyond the river. These were productive and owlet imitations by Merid soon brought Scaly Chatterer, Pringle’s Puffback and a superb Red-naped Bush-shrike into view. Other roadside birds in this area were the only Magpie Starlings of the trip and Red-fronted Warbler.
In the afternoon, as we continued past Welchite, we came to a hasty stop near a small village to inspect some swallows flying over the open ground. These turned out to be our first White-tailed Swallows. Despite the rather unpromising, degraded habitat around the village, we saw several new species here in addition to the swallows, including Grey-headed Batis, Golden-breasted Bunting, Northern Grosbeak Canary, Banded Parisoma and Rosy-patched Bush-shrike. Further down the road we stopped on an open grassy plain and walked out in search of Somali Coursers. Although we did not find any Coursers, we did see Yellow-necked Spurfowl and a single Somali Fiscal. Finally, nearing Yabello, we found a group of very confiding Stresemann’s Bushcrows perched in a roadside tree and engaging in mutual preening. Mammals seen during the day included Lesser Kudu by the roadside and Naked Mole Rats excavating their burrows.
During our two nights in Yabello we stayed at the Mobil Motel ($10/person, basic but more comfortable than the Green Hotel, with hot water). We had a full day in the Yabello area and spent the morning travelling south to Dubuluk and beyond (mercifully on a well-maintained tarmac road – our first since leaving Wondo Genet). In scattered scrub near Dubuluk we found a sizeable bird party, including Somali Tit, Mouse-coloured Penduline Tit, many Banded Parisomas and a single Somali Crombec. We also explored an area of open grassland near Soda, again in hope of finding Somali Courser. No Courser once again, perhaps because conditions were too dry, but Foxy Lark and Boran Cisticola were ample compensation.
In the late afternoon we headed north of Yabello to the Surupa area. Despite the heat, birding in the more varied scrubby and wooded habitats here provided a few new species, including Black-headed Batis, Sulphur-breasted Bush-shrike and Black-cheeked Waxbill.
Lake Awassa and Lake Langano
We broke the long return journey from Yabello to Addis with an overnight stay in the Rift Valley at Bishangari, which lies on the shore of Lake Langano. On our way to Bishangari we made a brief stop in some roadside trees adjacent to Lake Awassa. Despite signs of development, with the mature trees stripped of surrounding scrub and ground vegetation, Merid was confident that we would see Spotted Creeper here, a long sought-for species. Sure enough, after about 15 minutes we were rewarded with prolonged views of a creeper, along with our first Little Weavers and Cut-throat Finches.
Arriving at Bishangari Lodge in the afternoon ($120/twin, very comfortable, attractive chalets with a reasonable restaurant) we birded in the lakeside scrub and, in the evening, explored trails in the woodland around the lodge. Notable species included the only White-winged Black Tits of the trip, Banded Barbet, Double-toothed Barbet and Bruce’s Green Pigeon. In the early morning we exited the lodge property through an obscure gate in the perimeter fence to search an area of open grassland with scattered trees for Grey-headed Woodpecker. We eventually found a single woodpecker, along with Grey-backed Fiscal, many Wattled Ibises and, in the forest, Scaly Francolin.
After breakfast we continued our journey north to Addis, stopping on the way to visit the Wabe Shebelle Langano to see Clapperton’s Francolin, Rufous-necked Wryneck and several roosting Slender-tailed Nightjars.
Gibe Gorge
Gibe Gorge is a 2-3 hour drive from Addis on good quality tarmac roads. The Gorge can support some unlikely species such as Egyptian Plover and Exclamatory Paradise Whydah during the rainy season, as well as Lineated Pytilia, a form of Red-winged Pytilia endemic to Ethiopia and considered by some to be a full species. Unfortunately, being the dry season, we saw none of these birds, but did see a flock of White-throated (or Abyssinian Yellow-rumped) Seedeaters and Bush Petronia. Other species included White-winged Cliff-chat, some more Clapperton’s Francolins and an Eastern Grey Plantain-eater. Later in the morning we spent some time sitting by the river hoping for a passing Pytilia. Instead we saw Red-billed and Bar-breasted Firefinches as they visited to shallows to drink and bathe.
Debre Libanos
The monastery and adjacent village of Debre Libanos is about 2 hours from Addis on good tarmac. The road passes through attractive highland pastures with roadside pools and streams, where we saw small numbers of Spot-breasted and Black-winged Plovers. On route we picked up some cattle bones from a butcher with the intention of luring Lammergeiers into camera-shot later in the day. We stayed at a newly built hotel at Debre Libanos ($10/person, comfortable and spacious rooms, hot running water), which is located on the access track to the so-called ‘Portuguese Bridge’. Birding in the hotel grounds and heathy grassland above the bridge we saw many Ruppell’s Chats, a group of Erckel’s Francolins, Stout and Singing Cisticolas (the streaky nominate race of the latter), Cinnamon-breasted Bunting and a single White-headed Vulture. We did see some Lammergeiers but, unfortunately, they were not attracted into close range by our bait, though the local Egyptian, White-backed and Ruppell’s Vultures were very obliging. The other highlights were White-billed Starlings near the monastery and several troops of Galeda Baboons feeding around the hotel and bridge.
In the late afternoon Merid suggested that we follow a local guide down into the valley below Debre Libanos in search of Harwood’s Francolin, which is apparently often seen by the locals in fields and adjacent uncultivated areas of scrub and open ground in this location. Loosely accompanied by villagers and children we headed down the steep slope into the valley and were eventually rewarded with clear, if rather brief, views of a pair of francolins.
Jemma Valley
We spent a full morning in Jemma Valley. We only spent a short time in the vicinity of the famous blue-roofed church above the valley, the preferred stake-out for Harwood’s Francolin, having seen the species the previous day. Instead, Merid took us to a stream in the valley bottom, several kilometres beyond Jemma bridge, where we heard another Harwood’s Francolin and saw Black-billed Barbet, Half-collared Kingfisher and Dark-chanting Goshawk. On our return up the valley side we found a single Fox Kestrel, several Abyssinian Black Wheatears and a flock of White-billed Starlings.
Ankober
In the afternoon, after taking lunch in Debre Birhan, we made our way up to the rocky Ankober Escarpment. Luckily the fog, for which this area is notorious, held off and we quickly located several Ankober Serins resting on the rock face, with others foraging on adjacent areas of short-grazed grassland. Having seen the target bird we then headed for our accommodation at Ankober Lodge ($42/twin, comfortable rooms with hot water and an excellent restaurant), located on top of the hill overlooking the village.
The following morning we set off before dawn to the stream crossing known as Melka Jebdu, about 18 km from Ankober Lodge down a rough, dirt road into the acacia-wooded lowlands. Here Merid quickly found a pair of Yellow-throated Serins, feeding quietly in some scrubby grassland, along with Ruppell’s Weaver, a pair of dueting Yellow-breasted Barbets and a Little Rock Thrush. The stream was good for kingfishers, supporting four species including nesting Half-collared Kingfishers and the only Giant Kingfishers of the trip. Later, while having breakfast at the ford, we saw two further Serins singing from the adjacent tree tops.
Awash National Park
We departed Ankober Lodge in the early afternoon and, retracing our morning trip to Melka Jebdu, made our way cross-country to the western flank of Awash NP. During this extremely hot and dusty journey we made occasional stops for some new birds, including several Arabian Bustards and, in a grove of tall trees and acacia scrub, African Collared Dove and Somali Bulbul. We also saw a troop of Hamadrys Baboons, a species not seen elsewhere during the trip.
While at Awash we stayed at the Genet Hotel in Awash town ($10/person, very basic, cold water only), conveniently located between the national park gates and Lake Biseka. During our first full day we birded from dawn until early afternoon in the national park, breakfasting and lunching at the Kereyou Lodge. New species seen here included Harlequin Quail, Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse flying overhead, Singing Bushlark, flocks of Chestnut-backed Sparrow-larks, Ashy Cisticola, Nile Valley Sunbird and Eastern Paradise Whydahs. Mammals included Beisa Oryx, Soemmerring’s Gazelle, Salt’s Dik-dik and Common Jackal. In the afternoon we visited the lava fields adjacent to Lake Biseka. Here we eventually found a single Sombre Cliff-chat, along with a Blackstart for comparison. We also had roadside views of a female Hartlaub’s Bustard, a species we failed to find in the national park due to the prevalence of very tall grass.
The following morning we returned to the national park in search of speciality species not seen the day before. Thanks to Merid’s sharp ears we eventually found some Gillett’s Larks singing from tree tops, as well as Kori and White-bellied Bustards, Green-winged Pytilia (or Melba Finch) and, best of all, two African Swallow-tailed Kites perched together in the top of an acacia.
Bilen Lodge
We arrived at Bilen Lodge ($70/twin, comfortable chalets, cold water only, excellent restaurant) around mid-day. A bit of pre-lunch birding turned up a nesting Lichtenstein’s Sandgrouse by the restaurant and, while eating our lunch, we spotted a solitary Lion seeking shade under trees in the open area below the lodge. This sighting came as a surprise to the lodge owner as, until then, Lions had not been seen from the lodge for over a year. Following lunch we birded around the lodge grounds and later, in the company of an armed Afar ‘guard’ drove back down the access track to explore some open sandy areas around a waterhole and adjacent thorn scrub. Highlights included many more Lichtenstein’s Sandgrouse, a flock of Chestnut-crowned Finch-larks on the sandflats, a flock of Black Bishops including a single breeding plumage male and a Gerenuk.
The following morning we left at dawn to check out the nearby Ali Dege plain for Somali Ostrich. We saw several very distant ostriches on the expansive plain, as well as a flock of Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse feeding on the ground and distant Grevy’s Zebras. We started our return journey to Addis after breakfast, stopping briefly at Lake Biseka for an unsuccessful search for Spotted Eagle Owl. Nearer Addis we also stopped at a small lake known locally as Cheleleke where we picked up a few final trip ticks including Fulvous Whistling Duck.
Itinerary
19 Jan Arrive Addis 2205
20 Jan Wondo Genet
21 Jan Wondo Genet – Dinsho
22 Jan Dinsho: Web Valley
23 Jan Dinsho: Goba
24 Jan Sanetti Plateau
25 Jan Sof Omar
26 Jan Sanetti Plateau – Harenna Forest
27 Jan Harenna Forest – Genale – Negele
28 Jan Negele: Liben Plains
29 Jan Negele: Wadera Forest
30 Jan Negele – Melka Guba – Yabello
31 Jan Yabello area
1 Feb Yabello – Lake Langano
2 Feb Lake Langano – Addis
3 Feb Gibe Gorge
4 Feb Debre Libanos
5 Feb Jemma Valley – Ankober
6 Feb Ankober – Mekka Jebdu
7 Feb Awash NP – Lake Biseka
8 Feb Awash – Bilen Lodge
9 Feb Bilen Lodge – Ali Dege Plain – depart Addis 2335
Somali Ostrich (Struthio molybdophanes) – Endemic to NE Africa - At least 13 on the Ali Dege plain
Little Grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis) - Frequent on open water throughout
Long-tailed (Reed) Cormorant (Phalacrocorax africanus) - Small numbers on Lake Biseka, Awash
White-breasted Cormorant (Phalacrocorax lucidus) - Small numbers at Bishangari and Lake Biseka, Awash
African Darter (Anhinga rufa) - 1 Lake Biseka, Awash
White Pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus) - Occasional on open water throughout
Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea) - Occasional on wetland sites throughout
Black-headed Heron (Ardea melanocephala) - Single on two dates only
Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea) - 1 Bilen Lodge
Great Egret (Ardea alba) - 1 Bilen Lodge
Intermediate Egret (Mesophoyx intermedia) - 1 near Addis
Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis) - Up to 100 on seven dates throughout
Squacco Heron (Ardeola ralloides) - 10 Bilen Lodge
Hamerkop (Scopus umbretta) - Small numbers on wetland sites throughout
Yellow-billed Stork (Mycteria ibis) - 1 immature bird at Bilen Lodge
Abdim's Stork (Ciconia abdimii) - 1 Gibe Gorge
Marabou Stork (Leptoptilos crumeniferus) - Frequent in built up areas and near rubbish dumps throughout
Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus) - 1 near Negele
Hadada Ibis (Bostrychia hagedash) - Singles on three dates
Wattled Ibis (Bostrychia carunculata) – Endemic to Abyssinian highlands - 2-70 on eleven dates throughout, occurring in both grassland and woodland habitats. Especially abundant in the Web Valley, Bale NP.
Sacred Ibis (Threskiornis aethiopicus) - Frequently seen throughout
African Spoonbill (Platalea alba) - Up to 50 Seen on wetland sites near Abbis
Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber) - Up to 50 Seen on wetland sites near Abbis
Fulvous Whistling-duck (Dendrocygna bicolor) - Up to 100 at Cheleleke near Addis
Blue-winged Goose (Cyanochen cyanopterus) – Near threatened, endemic to the Abyssinian highlands 2-6 on four dates at Bale NP, including Sanetti Plateau, and north of Addis
Egyptian Goose (Alopochen aegyptiacus) - Frequently seen throughout
Spur-winged Goose (Plectropterus gambensis) - Up to 60 at Cheleleke near Addis
Eurasian Teal (Anas crecca) - Up to 100 at Cheleleke near Addis
Yellow-billed Duck (Anas undulata) - Occasional at wetland sites
African Black Duck (Anas sparsa) - 1 adult with two ducklings on the Shaya River between Dinsho and Gobe, 1 in flight between Addis and Debre Libanos
Northern Pintail (Anas acuta) - 8 Sanetti Plateau and up to 200 Cheleleke near Addis
Red-billed Duck (Anas erythrorhyncha) - 4 Cheleleke near Addis
Hottentot Teal (Anas hottentota) - 4-15 on two dates near Addis
Garganey (Anas querquedula) - Up to 30 at Cheleleke near Addis
Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata) - Up to 400 at Cheleleke near Addis
Black-shouldered Kite (Elanus caeruleus) - Singles near Yabello, at Jemma and Awash NP
African Swallow-tailed Kite (Chelictinia riocourii) - 2 Awash NP
Black Kite (Milvus migrans) - Commonly seen around towns and villages in most areas
African Fish-eagle (Haliaeetus vocifer) - Seen or heard on three dates in the Rift Valley
Lammergeier (Gypaetus barbatus) - 1 between Dinsho and Gobe, 2 Debre Libanos and 1 over the Kereyou Lodge, Awash NP
Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus) - 1-2 on four dates
Hooded Vulture (Necrosyrtes monachus) - Commonly seen around towns, rubbish tips and abattoirs throughout
African White-backed Vulture (Gyps africanus) - 2-20 on nine dates throughout
Rüppell's Griffon-vulture (Gyps rueppellii) - 1-10 on eight dates throughout
Lappet-faced Vulture (Torgos tracheliotus) – Threatened - 1 between Sheshamane and Dinsho, 2 near Negele and 1 Awash NP
White-headed Vulture (Trigonoceps occipitalis) - 1 Debre Libanos
Short-toed Eagle (Circaetus gallicus) - Singles Liben Plain and Awash NP
Black-chested Snake-eagle (Circaetus pectoralis) - 1 near Yabello
Bateleur (Terathopius ecaudatus) - 2 between Negele and Yabello and 1 Gibe Gorge
Eurasian Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus) - 1 adult male between Sof Omar and Gobe and 1 in the Rift Valley
Pallid Harrier (Circus macrourus) – Threatened - Adult males seen north of Addis and at Awash and Ali Dege plains
African Harrier-hawk (Polyboroides typus)- Singles on four dates
Dark Chanting-goshawk (Melierax metabates) - 1-3 on five dates in the Rift Valley and at Jemma and Awash
Eastern Chanting-goshawk (Melierax poliopterus) - 1-2 on three dates around Negele and Yabello
Gabar Goshawk (Micronisus gabar) - Singles on two dates
African Goshawk (Accipiter tachiro) - 1 Lake Biseka
Little Sparrowhawk (Accipiter minullus) - 1 Wondo Genet
Rufous-breasted Sparrowhawk (Accipiter rufiventris) - 1 Katcha Camp, Bale NP
Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo) - 1-5 on five dates in highlands
Augur Buzzard (Buteo (auger) augur) - 2-10 on eight dates
Lesser Spotted Eagle (Aquila pomarina) - 1 immature bird on the Sanetti Plateau
Tawny Eagle (Aquila rapax) - Singles on two dates in the Negele area
Steppe Eagle (Aquila nipalensis) - 1-4 on six dates
Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) - 1 immature bird on the Sanetti Plateau
Verreaux's Eagle (Aquila verreauxii) - 2 Gobe
Wahlberg's Eagle (Aquila wahlbergi) - Singles on three dates at Dinsho, Debre Libanos and Awash
African Hawk-eagle (Hieraaetus spilogaster) - 1 Sof Omar
Booted Eagle (Hieraaetus pennatus) - 1-2 on two dates in Rift Valley
Ayres' Hawk-eagle (Hieraaetus ayresii) - 1 adult over forest at Wadera, near Negele
Martial Eagle (Polemaetus bellicosus) - 1 near Soda, Yabello
Long-crested Eagle (Lophaetus occipitalis) - 2 Rift Valley, 3 Gibe Gorge
Secretarybird (Sagittarius serpentarius) - Singles near Soda, Yabello and in Awash NP
Pygmy Falcon (Polihierax semitorquatus) - Singles of four dates around Negele and at Awash NP
Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni) – Threatened - At least 30 hunting over cereal fields between Sheshamane and Dinsho, with singles confirmed on three other dates
Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) - Small numbers throughout
Fox Kestrel (Falco alopex) - 1 Jemma
Grey Kestrel (Falco ardosiaceus) - 1 near Yabello
Lanner Falcon (Falco biarmicus) - 1 Sanetti Plateau
Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) - Singles on two dates
Crested Francolin (Peliperdix sephaena) - 1-6 on six dates at Sof Omar, around Negele and Yabello and at Bishangari
Moorland Francolin (Scleroptila psilolaemus) – Endemic to NE Africa - 3-7 on two dates on the Sanetti Plateau
Scaly Francolin (Pternistis squamatus) - 2 near Negele and 6 in forest at Bishangari
Clapperton's Francolin (Pternistis clappertoni) - 2 Wabe Shebelle Langano and 6 Gibe Gorge
Harwood's Francolin (Pternistis harwoodi) – Threatened, endemic to Ethiopia - 2 in fields below Debre Libanos and another heard in Jemma Gorge
Erckel's Francolin (Pternistis erckelii) – Endemic to NE Africa - 10 Debre Libanos with singles at Jemma and Melka Jebdu
Chestnut-naped Francolin (Pternistis castaneicollis) – Endemic to NE Africa - 30 Web and Gaysay Valleys, 10 Sanetti Plateau
Yellow-necked Spurfowl (Pternistis leucoscepus) – Endemic to NE Africa - 1-8 on four dates
Harlequin Quail (Coturnix delegorguei) - 4-5 on two dates at Awash NP
Helmeted Guineafowl (Numida meleagris) - Up to 100 on four dates at Bishangari, Debre Libanos and Bilen Lodge
Rouget's Rail (Rougetius rougetii) – Threatened, endemic to Abyssinian highlands - 2-10 on three dates in the Bale NP
Common Coot (Fulica atra) - 5 near Dinsho
Wattled Crane (Grus carunculatus) – Threatened
2 adults and 1 juvenile on two dates on the Sanetti Plateau
Arabian Bustard (Ardeotis arabs) - 9 from the Ankober-Awash road, 1 Awash NP and 3 in flight early morning near Bilen Lodge
Kori Bustard (Ardeotis kori) - 2 Liben Plain, 1 near Yabello, 3 Awash and 1 Ali Dege plain
Buff-crested Bustard (Eupodotis gindiana) – Endemic to NE Africa - 1-2 on five dates around Negele and Yabello and at Awash
White-bellied Bustard (Eupodotis senegalensis) - 2 near Negele and 2-6 on two dates at Awash NP
Hartlaub's Bustard (Eupodotis hartlaubii) – Endemic to NE Africa - A single female on two dates at Awash NP
Black-winged Stilt (Himantopus himantopus) - Small numbers around Addis and at Lake Biseka
Pied Avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta) - Up to 20 at Cheleleke near Addis
Three-banded/Heuglin's Courser (Rhinoptilus cinctus) - 2 near Negele and 1 at Bishangari
Temminck's Courser (Cursorius temminckii) - 7 Liben Plain
Spur-winged Lapwing (Vanellus spinosus) - 2-10 on five dates at lowland wetlands sites
Spot-breasted Lapwing (Vanellus melanocephalus) – Endemic to Ethiopia - 30 near Dinsho and 5 north of Addis on route to Debre Libanos
Wattled Lapwing (Vanellus senegallus) - 2 Gibe Gorge
Black-winged Lapwing (Vanellus melanopterus) - 2 Liben Plain, 3 north of Addis and 2 near Ankober
Crowned Lapwing (Vanellus coronatus) - 1-8 on three dates around Yabello and near Ankober
African Snipe (Gallinago nigripennis) - 1 Web Valley, Bale NP
Marsh Sandpiper (Tringa stagnatilis) - Small numbers in Rift Valley and at Bilen Lodge
Common Greenshank (Tringa nebularia) - 1 north of Addis
Green Sandpiper (Tringa ochropus) - Small numbers at wetland sites and on rivers throughout
Wood Sandpiper (Tringa glareola) - 1 near Dinsho
Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos) - Occasionally seen on rivers throughout
Temminck's Stint (Calidris temminckii) - 20 near Addis
Ruff (Philomachus pugnax) - Up to 20 near Addis
Grey-headed Gull (Larus cirrocephalus) - 2 Bishangari
Black-headed Gull (Larus ridibundus) - 1 Bishangari
Gull-billed Tern (Sterna nilotica) - 1 Bishangari and at least 10 Lake Biseka
White-winged Tern (Chlidonias leucopterus) - Common at Bishangari
Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse (Pterocles exustus) - 30-60 on two dates at Awash NP, Bilen Lodge and Ali Dege plain
Black-faced Sandgrouse (Pterocles decoratus) - 4 high overhead at Dawa River
Lichtenstein's Sandgrouse (Pterocles lichtensteinii) - 13 around Bilen Lodge, including 1 incubating single egg
Speckled Pigeon (Columba guinea) - Common throughout
White-collared Pigeon (Columba albitorques) – Endemic to Abyssinian Highlands - Common in highlands
African Olive-pigeon (Columba arquatrix) - Frequent at Katcha camp and Bishangari
Lemon Dove (Columba larvata) - Small numbers at Wondo Genet and Bishangari
Dusky Turtle-dove (Streptopelia lugens) - Common and widespread
Laughing Dove (Streptopelia senegalensis) - Common and widespread
Vinaceous Dove (Streptopelia vinacea) - 1 Gibe Gorge
Ring-necked Dove (Streptopelia capicola) - Common and widespread
Red-eyed Dove (Streptopelia semitorquata) - Common and widespread
African Collared Dove (Streptopelia roseogrisea) - 6 from road between Ankober and Awash
White-winged Collared-dove (Streptopelia reichenowi) – Near threatened, endemic to NE Africa - At least 5 at Dawa River
Black-billed Wood-dove (Turtur abyssinicus) - Singles on three dates
Emerald-spotted Wood-dove (Turtur chalcospilos) - Singles on two dates
Tambourine Dove (Turtur tympanistria) - Small numbers at Wondo Genet and Wadera
Namaqua Dove (Oena capensis) - Small numbers at Bishangari and Jemma and common at Awash NP and Bilen Lodge
Bruce's Green-pigeon (Treron waalia) - Small numbers at Bishangari, Jemma and Awash NP
Yellow-fronted Parrot (Poicephalus flavifrons) – Endemic to Ethiopia - 5 Wondo Genet, 2 Dinsho and at least 10 Bishangari
Red- (Orange-) bellied Parrot (Poicephalus rufiventris) – Endemic to NE Africa - Small numbers around Yabello
Black-winged Lovebird (Agapornis taranta) – Endemic to Abyssinian Highlands - 2-12 on five dates at Wondo Genet, Dinsho, Gobe, Bishangari and Debre Libanos
White-cheeked Turaco (Tauraco leucotis) – Endemic to Ethiopia - 1-20 on five dates at Wondo Genet, Gobe, Wadera and Bishangari
Ruspoli's Turaco (Tauraco ruspolii) – Threatened, endemic to southern Ethiopia - 2 by road north of Genale, 3 roosting in acacia scrub c.10km east of Negele, 3 by road a few km south of Wadera village, and up to 8 in forest a few km north of Wadera (with White-cheeked Turacos)
Bare-faced Go-away-bird (Corythaixoides personatus) – Endemic to NE Africa - 2 Yabello area and 1 Melka Jebdu
White-bellied Go-away-bird (Corythaixoides leucogaster) – Endemic to NE Africa - Common in lowland areas
Eastern Grey Plantain-eater (Crinifer zonurus) - 2 Gibe Gorge
Red-chested Cuckoo (Cuculus solitarius) - 1 heard calling at Katcha camp
Klaas' Cuckoo (Chrysococcyx klaas) - 2 near Wadera and 1 Bishangari
White-browed Coucal (Centropus superciliosus) - 1-2 on two dates at Awash NP
Cape (Mackinder's) Eagle-owl (Bubo capensis mackinderi) - 1 at roadside roost near Dinsho, Bale NP
African Wood-owl (Strix woodfordii) - 1-2 heard on two dates at Katcha Camp, Bale NP
Pearl-spotted Owlet (Glaucidium perlatum) - Singles at Sof Omar and near Negele
Abyssinian Owl (Asio abyssinicus) – Endemic to East Africa - 1 roosting adult with fledged chick at Dinsho Lodge, Bale NP
Abyssinian (Montane) Nightjar (Caprimulgus poliocephalus) - Frequently heard in highland areas including Addis; 1 seen at roost at Dinsho
Slender-tailed Nightjar (Caprimulgus clarus) – Endemic to NE Africa 6 roosting at Wabe Shebelle Langano
African Palm-swift (Cypsiurus parvus) - 1-2 on two dates at Awash NP
Little Swift (Apus affinis) - Several over Addis
Speckled Mousebird (Colius striatus) - Frequent and widespread
Blue-naped Mousebird (Urocolius macrourus) - 1-10 on three dates at Awash and Bilen Lodge
Narina Trogon (Apaloderma narina) - 1 Wondo Genet and 2 Wadera
Half-collared Kingfisher (Alcedo semitorquata) - 2 Jemma Valley and 1 Melka Jebdu
Malachite Kingfisher (Alcedo cristata) - Singles at Lake Awassa, Melka Jebdu and Awash NP
African Pygmy-kingfisher (Ispidina picta) - Singles near Negele, at Bishangari and Awash NP
Grey-headed Kingfisher (Halcyon leucocephala) - 1 Jemma Valley
Woodland Kingfisher (Halcyon senegalensis) - 1-2 on three dates at Bishangari and Awash NP
Giant Kingfisher (Megaceryle maxima) - 2 Melka Jebdu
Pied Kingfisher (Ceryle rudis) - 2 Bishangari, 1 Melka Jebdu and 1 Bilen Lodge
Little Bee-eater (Merops pusillus) - 2 between Negele and Yabello and 2 Awash NP
Blue-breasted Bee-eater (Merops variegatus lafresnayii) - 2-6 on five dates at Wondo Genet, Yabello, Bishangari, Jemma and Awash NP
European Bee-eater (Merops apiaster) - At least 5 from the road between Addis and Gibe Gorge
Northern Carmine Bee-eater (Merops nubicus) - Frequent in lowland areas
Abyssinian Roller (Coracias abyssinica) - 2-4 on five dates at Gibe Gorge, Melka Jebdu, Awash NP and Bilen Lodge
Lilac-breasted Roller (Coracias caudate lorti) - 1-3 on three dates in the Negele-Yabello area
Rufous-crowned Roller (Coracias noevia) - Singles on two dates in the Rift Valley
Broad-billed Roller (Eurystomus glaucurus) - 1 Bishangari
Eurasian Hoopoe (Upupa epops) - Frequent and widespread
Black-billed Woodhoopoe (Phoeniculus somaliensis) – Endemic to NE Africa - 1-6 on seven dates at Sof Omar, around Negele and Yabello, Gibe Gorge and Bilen Lodge
Abyssinian Scimitar-bill (Rhinopomastus minor) – Endemic to NE Africa - Singles on two dates in the Yabello area
Red-billed Hornbill (Tockus erythrorhynchus) - Common in lowland areas
Eastern Yellow-billed Hornbill (Tockus flavirostris) – Endemic to NE Africa - Frequent in lowland areas
Von Der Decken's Hornbill (Tockus deckeni) – Endemic to NE Africa - 1 Negele and 2 Yabello
Hemprich's Hornbill (Tockus hemprichii) – Endemic to NE Africa - 1-3 on four dates at Wadera, Debra Libanos and Ankober
African Grey Hornbill (Tockus nasutus) - 2-5 on four dates at Yabello, Awash NP and Bilen Lodge
Silvery-cheeked Hornbill (Ceratogymna brevis) - Common at Wondo Genet, Dinsho, Sof Omar, Wadera and Bishangari
Abyssinian Ground-hornbill (Bucorvus abyssinicus) - 1-5 on six dates in the Rift Valley
Red-fronted Tinkerbird (Pogoniulus pusillus) - Frequent in lowland areas
Red-fronted Barbet (Tricholaema diademata) – Endemic to NE Africa - 1-4 on three dates at Yabello and Jemma
Black-throated Barbet (Tricholaema melanocephala) – Endemic to NE Africa - 5-6 on two dates around Yabello
Banded Barbet (Lybius undatus) – Endemic to Abyssinian highlands - Singles on two dates at Wadera and Bishangari
Black-billed Barbet (Lybius guifsobalito) – Endemic to NE Africa - 1 Jemma
Double-toothed Barbet (Lybius bidentatus) - 1 Wondo Genet and 5 Bishangari
Yellow-breasted Barbet (Trachyphonus margaritatus) - At least 1-3 on three dates at Melka Jebdu, Awash NP and Bilen Lodge
Red-and-yellow Barbet (Trachyphonus erythrocephalus) – Endemic to NE Africa 3 near Negele
D'arnaud's Barbet (Trachyphonus darnaudii) – Endemic to NE Africa - 1-3 on three dates in lowland areas
Greater Honeyguide (Indicator indicator) - 1 Dawa River
Lesser Honeyguide (Indicator minor) - Two singles at Sof Omar and Bishangari
Rufous-necked Wryneck (Jynx ruficollis) - 1 Wabe Shebelle Langano
Nubian Woodpecker (Campethera nubica) – Endemic to NE Africa - Frequently heard and seen in lowland areas
Abyssinian Woodpecker (Dendropicos abyssinicus) – Endemic to Abyssinian highlands - 1-6 on five dates at Wondo Genet, Gaysay Valley, above Gobe and at Wadera
Cardinal Woodpecker (Dendropicos fuscescens) - Singles at Yabello, Gibe Gorge and Melka Jebdu
Bearded Woodpecker (Dendropicos namaquus) - 1 near Yabello
African Grey-headed Woodpecker (Dendropicos spodocephalus) – Endemic to NE Africa 1 at Bishangari in open, grazed area of trees adjacent to the Lodge forest
Singing Bushlark (Mirafra cantillans) - Frequent at Awash NP
Red-winged Lark (Mirafra hypermetra) – Endemic to NE Africa - Common at Awash NP
Foxy/Abyssinian Lark (Mirafra alopex intercedens) – Endemic to NE Africa - 1 in open grassland near Soda, south of Yabello
Gillett's Lark (Mirafra gilletti) – Endemic to NE Africa - Several heard and two seen at Awash NP
Sidamo Lark (Heteromirafra sidamoensis) – Threatened, endemic to southern Ethiopia - 2 seen at very close range on the Liben Plain
Chestnut-backed Finch-lark (Eremopterix leucotis) - Small flocks of 10-20 on three dates at Awash NP and Bilen Lodge
Chestnut-headed Sparrow-lark (Eremopterix signata) – Endemic to NE Africa A flock of at least 40 at Bilen Lodge
Erlanger's Lark (Calandrella (blanfordi) erlangeri) – Endemic to Ethiopia - 2 in ploughed field between Sof Omar and Robe
Somali Short-toed Lark (Calandrella somalica) – Endemic to NE Africa - 2 seen and heard singing on the Liben Plain
Thekla Lark (Galerida theklae) - 2-5 on four dates in the Bale NP and at Jemma
Sand Martin (Riparia riparia) - Small numbers at Bishangari and Bilen Lodge
Plain Martin (Riparia paludicola) - A flock of at least 20 at Awash NP
Rock Martin (Hirundo fuligula) - 4-6 on three dates at Web Valley, Debre Libanos and Jemma
Eurasian Swallow (Hirundo rustica) - Common and widespread
Ethiopian Swallow (Hirundo aethiopica) - Small numbers over Awash town
Wire-tailed Swallow (Hirundo smithii) - Small numbers with Eurasian Swallows in lowland areas
White-tailed Swallow (Hirundo megaensis) – Threatened, endemic to southern Ethiopia - 4-5 on two dates in the Yabello area
Mosque Swallow (Hirundo senegalensis) - 2 Awash NP
Red-rumped Swallow (Hirundo daurica rufula) - Frequent and widespread
House Martin (Delichon urbica) - 1-20 on four dates
Brown Sawwing (Psalidoprocne (pristoptera) antinorii) - 10-20 on two dates at Katcha Camp, Bale NP
Black Sawwing (Psalidoprocne (pristoptera) holomelas) - 1 Web Valley, Bale NP
Abyssinian Longclaw (Macronyx flavicollis) – Near threatened, endemic to the Abyssinian highlands
3 on two dates in the Web Valley and near Dinsho, Bale NP
Plain-backed Pipit (Anthus leucophrys) - Common on the Liben Plain and 2 in Gibe Gorge
Tawny Pipit (Anthus campestris) - 3 near Yabello and 1 Awash NP
Tree Pipit (Anthus trivialis) - 6 Katcha Camp and 2 Jemma
African Pied Wagtail (Motacilla aguimp) - Small numbers in wetland areas throughout
Yellow Wagtail (Motacilla flava) - Frequent to common throughout, including blue-headed and black-headed races
Grey Wagtail (Motacilla cinerea) - Frequent to common in wetland areas throughout
Mountain Wagtail (Motacilla clara) - 1-3 on four dates at Web Valley, Debre Libanos, Jemma and Melka Jebdu
Grey Cuckooshrike (Coracina caesia) - 2 Wondo Genet and 2 Dinsho
Black Cuckooshrike (Campephaga flava) - Singles at Bishangari and Jemma
Red-shouldered Cuckooshrike (Campephaga phoenicea) - 1 Bishangari
Somali Bulbul (Pycnonotus somaliensis) – Endemic to NE Africa 1 between Ankober and Awash NP
Dodson's Bulbul (Pycnonotus dodsoni) – Endemic to NE Africa - 3 Sof Omar
Dark-capped Bulbul (Pycnonotus tricolor) - Common and widespread
Northern Brownbul (Phyllastrephus strepitans) – Endemic to NE Africa At least 8 at Sof Omar
White-browed Scrub-robin (Cercotrichas leucophrys) - Frequent in lowland areas
Rufous-tailed Scrub-robin (Cercotrichas galactotes) - 1 Dawa River
Rüppell's Robin-chat (Cossypha semirufa) – Endemic to NE Africa - Commonly heard and seen throughout highland areas
White-browed Robin-chat (Cossypha heuglini) - 1 Sof Omar
Spotted Morning-thrush (Cichladusa guttata) – Endemic to NE Africa - 2 Dawa River
Common Redstart (Phoenicurus phoenicurus) - 1 Bishangari
Brown-tailed Chat (Cercomela scotocerca) - At least 10 at Sof Omar
Sombre Chat (Cercomela dubia) – Endemic to NE Africa - 1 Lake Biseka
Blackstart (Cercomela melanura) - 1-2 on two dates at Lake Biseka
Moorland Chat (Cercomela sordida) – Endemic to NE Africa - Common in highland areas
Common Stonechat (Saxicola axillaris albofasciata) - 1-2 on three dates at Dinsho, Gobe and Debre Libanos
Rüppell's Chat (Myrmecocichla melaena) – Endemic to Abyssinian Highlands - Common at Debre Libanos, Jemma and Ankober
Northern Wheatear (Oenanthe oenanthe) - Small numbers in highland areas
Abyssinian Black Wheatear (Oenanthe lugubris) – Endemic to Abyssinian highlands - 2-3 on two dates at Jemma, Ankober and Melka Jebdu
Pied Wheatear (Oenanthe pleschanka) - Frequent in suitable habitat throughout
Black-eared Wheatear (Oenanthe hispanica) - 1 near Bilen Lodge
Isabelline Wheatear (Oenanthe isabellina) - Frequent to common in Negele and Yabello areas, Awash NP and at Bilen Lodge
Botta's Wheatear (Oenanthe bottae) - 2-10 on two dates between Sheshamane and Disho and between Gobe and Sof Omar
Mocking Cliff-chat (Thamnolaea cinnamomeiventris) - 1-8 on two dates at Debre Libanos and Jemma
White-winged Cliff-chat (Thamnolaea semirufa) – Endemic to Abyssinian highlands - 1-4 on three dates at Gibe Gorge, Debre Libanos and Jemma
Little Rock-thrush (Monticola rufocinereus) – Endemic to NE Africa - 1 Melka Jebdu
Blue Rock-thrush (Monticola solitarius) - Singles at Debre Libanos and Jemma
Abyssinian Ground-thrush (Zoothera piaggiae) – Endemic to NE Africa - 1-2 on four dates above Gobe, at Katcha Camp, Wadera and Bishangari
Groundscraper Thrush (Psophocichla litsipsirupa) - Frequent in highland areas
African Thrush (Turdus (olivaceus) pelios) - Small numbers in lowland areas
African Bare-eyed Thrush (Turdus tephronotus) – Endemic to NE Africa - 1 Dawa River
Abyssinian/Mountain Thrush (Turdus abyssinicus) - Common, especially in highland areas
Cinnamon Bracken-warbler (Bradypterus cinnamomeus) - Small numbers in Bale NP and Jemma
Red-faced Cisticola (Cisticola erythrops) - 1 Gibe Gorge
Singing Cisticola (Cisticola cantans) - Small numbers at Katcha camp and Debre Libanos
Boran Cisticola (Cisticola bodessa) – Endemic to NE Africa - At least 3 near Soda, south of Yabello
Rattling Cisticola (Cisticola chinianus) - 2 Bishangari
Ashy Cisticola (Cisticola cinereolus) – Endemic to NE Africa - 2-3 on two dates in Awash NP
Ethiopian Cisticola (Cisticola lugubris) – Endemic to Ethiopia and Eritrea - 1-3 on three dates in Bale NP
Stout Cisticola (Cisticola robustus) - Frequent at Debre Libanos
Pectoral-patch Cisticola (Cisticola brunnescens) - Frequent on the Liben Plain
Tawny-flanked Prinia (Prinia subflava) - Frequent throughout
Red-fronted Warbler (Spiloptila rufifrons) - 3 near the Dawa River and 4 Awash NP
Brown-tailed Apalis (Apalis (flavida) viridiceps) - Small numbers at Sof Omar, Dawa River and around Yabello
Grey-backed Camaroptera (Camaroptera brevicaudata) - Frequently heard and seen throughout
Grey Wren-warbler (Calamonastes simplex) – Endemic to NE Africa - 1-2 on three dates south of Yabello and in Awash NP
Eastern Olivaceous Warbler (Hippolais pallida) - 1 Awash NP and 2 Bilen Lodge
Buff-bellied Warbler (Phyllolais pulchella) - 3 Yabello and 1 Bishangari
Bale Parisoma (Parisoma griseaventris) - Endemic to Bale Mountains - 1 seen and another heard in scattered Hypericum bushes above Gobe
Brown Parisoma (Parisoma lugens) - 1 at Debre Libanos
Banded Parisoma (Parisoma boehmi) – Endemic to NE Africa - 1 between Welchite and Yabello and at least 10 near Dubuluk south of Yabello
Blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla) - 1-2 on four dates
Lesser Whitethroat (Sylvia curruca) - Singles at Bishangari and Debre Libanos
Yellow-bellied Eremomela (Eremomela icteropygialis) - 1 on the Liben Plain at least 10 in the Dubuluk area, south of Yabello
Northern Crombec (Sylvietta brachyura) - Frequent at Yabello, Melka Jebdu, Awash NP and Bilen Lodge
Red-faced Crombec (Sylvietta whytii) - Common at Sof Omar, Yabello and Bishangari
Somali Crombec (Sylvietta isabellina) – Endemic to NE Africa - 1 near Dubuluk, south of Yabello
Brown Woodland-warbler (Phylloscopus umbrovirens) - 1-3 on two dates at Dinsho
Common Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus collybita) - Common throughout
African Grey Flycatcher (Bradornis microrhynchus) – Endemic to NE Africa - 2-6 on two dates in the Yabello area
Abyssinian Slaty-flycatcher (Dioptrornis chocolatinus) – Endemic to Abyssinian highlands - Common in Bale NP
Northern Black-flycatcher (Melaenornis edolioides) - 1 between Sof Omar and Gobe
African Dusky Flycatcher (Muscicapa adusta) - Frequent in the Bale NP, around Negele and at Bishangari
African Paradise-flycatcher (Terpsiphone viridis) - 1-2 on ten dates throughout
Scaly Chatterer (Turdoides aylmeri) - A group of six near Dawa River
Rufous Chatterer (Turdoides rubiginosus) – Endemic to NE Africa - 1-10 on three dates on the Liben Plain, near Yabello and at Melka Jebdu
White-rumped Babbler (Turdoides leucopygius omoensis) – Endemic to NE Africa - Frequent at Wondo Genet, Sof Omar, near Negele, Bishangari and Gibe Gorge; 2 of the ‘leucopygia’ race at Melka Jebdu
Abyssinian Catbird (Parophasma galinieri) – Endemic to Abyssinian highlands Frequently heard and small numbers seen in Bale NP (especially around Dinsho lodge and Katcha camp)
White-winged Tit (Parus leucomelas) - 3 at Bishangari
White-backed Tit (Parus leuconotus) – Endemic to Ethiopia - 2-3 on three dates around Dinsho lodge
Somali Tit (Parus (afer) thruppi) – Endemic to NE Africa - Singles at Sof Omar and near Dubuluk, south of Yabello
African Spotted Creeper (Salpornis spilonotus salvadori) - 1 in roadside trees by Lake Awassa
Mouse-coloured Penduline-tit (Anthoscopus musculus) – Endemic to NE Africa - At least 6 in the Yabello area
Kenya (Eastern) Violet-backed Sunbird (Anthreptes orientalis) - At leat 10 at Dawa River
Collared Sunbird (Anthreptes collaris) - Frequent around Negele, at Gibe Gorge, Debre Libanos and Jemma
Nile Valley Sunbird (Anthreptes metallicus) - Frequent at Awash NP and Bilen Lodge
Western Olive-Sunbird (Nectarinia olivacea obscura) - Singles at Wonde Genet, Katcha camp and Wadera
Scarlet-chested Sunbird (Nectarinia senegalensis) - Frequent in lowland areas throughout
Hunter's Sunbird (Nectarinia hunteri) – Endemic to NE Africa - 1 near Yabello
Variable Sunbird (Nectarinia venusta) - Small numbers at Wondo Genet and in Bale NP
Shining Sunbird (Nectarinia habessinica) – Endemic to NE Africa - Singles at Sof Omar, Dawa River, Awash NP; common at Bilen Lodge
Tacazze Sunbird (Nectarinia tacazze) – Endemic to NE Africa - Common at Wondo Genet and in Bale NP
Mariqua Sunbird (Nectarinia mariquensis) - Small numbers at Yabello, Bishangari and Melka Jebdu
Purple-banded Sunbird (Nectarinia bifasciata) - 2 calling and displaying near Negele
Beautiful Sunbird (Nectarinia pulchella) - Frequent at Bishangari and Melka Jebdu
Black-bellied Sunbird (Nectarinia nectarinioides) – Endemic to NE Africa - 5 Dawa River
African Yellow White-eye (Zosterops senegalensis) - Small numbers at lowland sites
White-breasted White-eye (Zosterops abyssinicus) – Endemic to NE Africa - Common throughout
Dark-headed Oriole (Oriolus monacha) – Endemic to Ethiopian highlands Common at Wondo Genet, Katcha camp and Wadera
African Black-headed Oriole (Oriolus larvatus) - Singles at Negele and Yabello
Brubru (Nilaus afer) - 2-4 on three dates at Sof Omar and Yabello
Northern Puffback (Dryoscopus gambensis) - Small numbers at lowland sites throughout
Pringle's Puffback (Dryoscopus pringlii) – Endemic to NE Africa - 2 seen and others heard from roadside near Dawa River
Black-crowned Tchagra (Tchagra senegala) - Small numbers in lowland areas
Red-naped Bushshrike (Laniarius ruficeps) – Endemic to NE Africa - 1 near Dawa River
Tropical Boubou (Laniarius aethiopicus) - Frequent throughout
Slate-coloured Boubou (Laniarius funebris) – Endemic to NE Africa - Small numbers at Sof Omar, Yabello and Bishangari
Rosy-patched Bushshrike (Rhodophoneus cruentus) – Endemic to NE Africa - 2 between Welchite and Yabello and 4 Awash NP
Sulphur-breasted Bushshrike (Telophorus sulfureopectus) - 2 on three dates at Yabello and Bishangari
Grey-headed Bushshrike (Malaconotus blanchoti) - 1-3 on three dates at Negele and Awash NP
White Helmetshrike (Prionops plumatus) - Flocks seen at Sof Omar, Dawa River and Awash NP
Grey-headed Batis (Batis orientalis) - Small numbers at Sof Omar, Yabello and in Awash NP
Black-headed Batis (Batis minor) - 2-4 on three dates at Yabello and Bishangari
Pygmy Batis (Batis perkeo) – Endemic to NE Africa - Small numbers at Sof Omar and Yabello
Brown-throated Wattle-eye (Platysteira cyanea) - 1 Gibe Gorge
Isabelline Shrike (Lanius isabellinus) - 1 Yabello
Southern Grey Shrike (Lanius (excubitor) meridionalis) - Frequent at Awash NP and Bilen Lodge
Grey-backed Fiscal (Lanius excubitoroides) - 3 Bishangari
Somali Fiscal (Lanius somalicus) – Endemic to NE Africa - 1 near Yabello and 2 Awash NP
Common Fiscal (Lanius collaris) - Common roadside bird throughout
Woodchat Shrike (Lanius senator) - Small numbers Gibe Gorge and Awash NP
Masked Shrike (Lanius nubicus) - 1 Bishangari
Northern White-crowned Shrike (Eurocephalus rueppelli) – Endemic to NE Africa - Frequent in lowland areas throughout
Fork-tailed Drongo (Dicrurus adsimilis) - Frequent in lowland areas throughout
Stresemann's Bush-crow (Zavattariornis stresemanni) – Threatened, endemic to southern Ethiopia -
10-30 on two dates in the Yabello area
Red-billed Chough (Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax) - 2 Web Valley and 2 Sanetti Plateau
Cape Crow (Corvus capensis) - Frequent between Sheshamane and Gobe, at Gibe Gorge and Debre Libanos
Pied Crow (Corvus albus) - Common around Addis and other built-up areas
Dwarf Raven/Somali Crow (Corvus ruficollis edithae) – Endemic to NE Africa - Frequent at Robe, on the Liben Plain and near Yabello
Fan-tailed Raven (Corvus rhipidurus) - Common in Bale NP, Bishangari, Gibe Gorge, Debre Libanos and Jemma
Thick-billed Raven (Corvus crassirostris) – Endemic to Abyssinian highlands - Common at Wondo Genet and on route to Bishangari and Gibe Gorge
Red-winged Starling (Onychognathus morio) - Frequent at Bishangari
Slender-billed Starling (Onychognathus tenuirostris) - Common Wonde Genet, Bale NP and Ankober
White-billed Starling (Onychognathus albirostris) – Endemic to Abyssinian highlands - 4 Debre Libanos and a flock of 50 at Jemma
Bristle-crowned Starling (Onychognathus salvadorii) – Endemic to NE Africa - Frequent at Sof Omar and Lake Biseka
Greater Blue-eared Glossy-starling (Lamprotornis chalybaeus) - Common throughout
Lesser Blue-eared Glossy-starling (Lamprotornis chloropterus) - A flock of at least 15 at Gibe Gorge
Superb Starling (Lamprotornis superbus) – Endemic to NE Africa - Common in lowland areas
Shelley's Starling (Lamprotornis shelleyi) – Endemic to NE Africa - 6-8 on two dates near Dawa River and Yabello
Sharpe's Starling (Cinnyricinclus sharpii) - 20 Wondo Genet
Magpie Starling (Speculipastor bicolor) - 4 near Dawa River
White-crowned Starling (Spreo albicapillus) – Endemic to NE Africa - Common around Negele and Yabello
Golden-breasted Starling (Cosmopsarus regius) – Endemic to NE Africa - Frequent around Negele and common between Negele and Yabello
Wattled Starling (Creatophora cinerea) - Small numbers at Bishangari and Bilen Lodge
Swainson's Sparrow (Passer swainsonii) – Endemic to NE Africa - Common in lowland areas and settlements
Chestnut Sparrow (Passer eminibey) – Endemic to NE Africa - A flock of at least 50 between Welchite and Yabello
Yellow-spotted Petronia (Petronia pyrgita) - Frequent at Sof Omar, Yabello, Bishangari and Bilen Lodge
Bush Petronia (Petronia dentata) - At least 6 at Gibe Gorge
Red-billed Buffalo-weaver (Bubalornis niger) - 4 on the Liben Plain
White-headed Buffalo-weaver (Dinemellia dinemelli) – Endemic to NE Africa - Common in lowland areas
White-browed Sparrow-weaver (Plocepasser mahali) - Common at Yabello and Bilen Lodge
Grey-capped Social-weaver (Pseudonigrita arnaudi) – Endemic to NE Africa - Common around Negele and Yabello
Black-capped Social-weaver (Pseudonigrita cabanisi) – Endemic to NE Africa - Small numbers around Yabello
Baglafecht Weaver (Ploceus baglafecht) - Frequent in Bale NP, at Bishangari, Gibe Gorge and Debre Libanos
Little Weaver (Ploceus luteolus) - Frequent at Lake Awassa and Bishangari
Lesser Masked Weaver (Ploceus intermedius) - 1 near Yabello
Spectacled Weaver (Ploceus ocularis) - Small numbers at Wondo Genet and Bishangari
Rüppell's Weaver (Ploceus galbula) - 2 males at Melka Jebdu
Vitelline Masked-weaver (Ploceus (velatus) vitellinus) - Small numbers on the Liben Plain and at Yabello
Village Weaver (Ploceus cucullatus) - Small numbers at Gibe Gorge and Awash NP
Speke's Weaver (Ploceus spekei) – Endemic to NE Africa - Common at Yabello
Juba/Salvadori's Weaver (Ploceus dicrocephalus) – Endemic to NE Africa - A flock of at least 30, including some breeding plumage males, at Dawa River
Red-headed Weaver (Anaplectes rubriceps) - Small numbers in lowland areas
Red-billed Quelea (Quelea quelea) - A flock of at least 20 in Awash NP
Black Bishop (Euplectes gierowii) - A flock of around 20 including one breeding plumage male at Bilen Lodge
Northern Red (Orange) Bishop (Euplectes franciscanus) - 1 near Cheleleke, near Addis
Yellow Bishop (Euplectes capensis) - Common in Bale NP
Green-winged Pytilia/Melba Finch (Pytilia melba) - 4 in Awash NP
Bar-breasted Firefinch (Lagonosticta rufopicta) - 2 Gibe Gorge
Red-billed Firefinch (Lagonosticta senegala) - 1-10 on three dates at Gibe Gorge, Jemma and Awash NP
Red-cheeked Cordonbleu (Uraeginthus bengalus) - Common in lowand areas throughout
Purple Grenadier (Granatina ianthinogaster) – Endemic to NE Africa - 8 Yabello and 2 Awash NP
Yellow-bellied Waxbill (Coccopygia quartinia) - Frequent at Gobe and Katcha camp
Crimson-rumped Waxbill (Estrilda rhodopyga) – Endemic to NE Africa - A flock of 15 at Debre Libanos
Black-cheeked Waxbill (Estrilda charmosyna) – Endemic to NE Africa - 2 near Yabello and 3 in Awash NP
Bronze Munia (Spermestes cucullata) - At least 10 at Gibe Gorge
African Silverbill (Euodice cantans) - Common at Awash NP and Bilen Lodge
Cut-throat (Amadina fasciata) - 2 near Lake Awassa and a flock of 20 in Awash NP
Village Indigobird (Vidua chalybeata) - A flock of at least 10 at Jemma
Pin-tailed Whydah (Vidua macroura) - Common in Awash NP
Eastern Paradise-whydah (Vidua paradisaea) - Common in Awash NP
Yellow-crowned Canary (Serinus flavicollis) 3-10 on three dates above Gobe and at Katcha camp
Ethiopian (Black-headed) Siskin (Serinus nigriceps) – Endemic to NE Africa - Common in Bale NP and at Ankober
African Citril-finch (Serinus citrinelloides) – Endemic to NE Africa - Frequent at Wondo Genet, Bishangari and Debre Libanos
Yellow-throated Seedeater (Serinus flavigula) – Threatened, endemic to central Ethiopia - 2 seen foraging and at least 2 others singing at Melka Jebdu
Abyssinian Yellow-rumped (White-throated) Seedeater (Serinus xanthopygius) – Endemic to Ethiopia and Eritrea - At least 10 in a mixed flock with Yellow-fronted Canaries at start of descent into Gibe Gorge
Kenya Yellow-rumped/Reichenow’s Seedeater (Serinus reichenowi) – Endemic to NE Africa - Small numbers at Negele
Salvadori's Canary (Serinus xantholaemus) – Near threatened, endemic to Ethopia - 1 mobbing owlet and singing and 2 more heard at Sof Omar
Yellow-fronted Canary (Serinus mozambicus) - A flock of at least 10 in Gibe Gorge
Northern Grosbeak-canary (Serinus donaldsoni) – Endemic to NE Africa - 1 between Welchite and Yabello
White-bellied Canary (Serinus dorsostriatus) – Endemic to NE Africa - Singles on two dates around Yabello
Brown-rumped Seedeater (Serinus tristriatus) – Endemic to Abyssinian highlands - Common in Bale NP and at Debre Libanos
Ankober Serin (Serinus ankoberensis) – Threatened, endemic to west Rift Valley scarp in Ethiopia -At least 20 on steep rocks and adjacent fields at Ankober
Streaky Seedeater (Serinus striolatus) - Common in highland areas
Cinnamon-breasted Bunting (Emberiza tahapisi) - Common at Debre Libanos and Jemma
Somali Golden-breasted Bunting (Emberiza poliopleura) – Endemic to NE Africa - 2 between Welchite and Yabello and 2 at Bilen Lodge
Checklist of mammals
Guereza colobus (Colobus guereza) – Common in forested areas in highlands
Hamadrys (sacred) baboon (Papio hamadrys) – a single troop northwest of Awash NP
Olive baboon (Papio anubis) – Common in forested areas throughout
Gelada (Theropithecus gelada) – several troops at Debre Libanos and Ankober
Grivet monkey (Cercopithecus aethiops aethiops) – Wondo Genet
Vervet monkey (Cercopithecus aethiops pygerythrus) – common in lowland acacia
Bale monkey (Cercopithecus aethiops djamdjamensis) – a small group seen in forest above Katcha campsite, Bale Mountains NP
Scrub hare (Lepus saxatilius) – small numbers in acacia scrub
Starck’s hare (Lepus starki) – 1 Sanetti Plateau
Unstriped ground squirrel (Xerus rutilus) – 2 near Yabello and 3 Bilen
Gambian sun squirrel (Helioscurus gambianus) – singles at Wondo Genet and Bishangari
Naked mole rat (Heterocephalus glaber) – 2 near Yabello
Giant root-rat (Tachyoryctes macrocephalus) – common Bale Mountains NP
Unstriped grass-rat (Arvicanthis sp.) – common Bale Mountains NP
Ethiopian meadow rat (Stenocephalemys sp.) – common Bale Mountains NP
Common (golden) jackal (Canis aureus) – 1-2 on three dates at Awash NP
Ethiopian wolf (Canis simensis) – a total of 12 over three dates in the Web Valley and on the Sanetti Plateau, Bale Mountains NP
Ichneumon (Egyptian) mongoose (Herpestes ichneumon) – 1 Bishangari
Slender mongoose (Herpestes saniguinea) – singles Debre Libanos and Awash NP
Dwarf mongoose (Helogale parvula) – 1 Bishangari
Spotted hyaena (Crocuta crocuta) – 1 seen at Dinsho, several others heard elsewhere
Lion (Panthera leo) – 1 Bilen Lodge
Ethiopian rock hyrax(Procavia habessinica) – small numbers in Web Valley, Bale Mountains NP, Debre Libanos and Awash NP
Grevy’s zebra(Equus grevyi) – 5 distanly on the Ali Dege Plain
Common warthog(Phacochoerus africanus) – common in Bale Mountains NP, at Bishangari, Awash NP and Bilen Lodge
Menelik’s bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus meneliki) – small numbers in wooded areas in Bale Mountains NP
Mountain nyala (Tragelaphus buxtoni) – Common around Dinsho, Bale Mountains NP
Lesser kudu (Tragelaphus imberbis) – 1 near Yabello and 2 Awash NP
Bush duiker (Sylvicapra grimmia) – 2 Negele
Klipspringer (Oreotragus oreotragus) – 2 Sanetti Plateau, Bale Mountains NP
Salt’s dikdik (Madoqua saltiana) – Common Awash NP and Bilen Lodge
Guenther’s dikdik (Madoqua guentheri) – common around Yabello
Bohor reedbuck (Redunca redunca) – common around Dinsho, Bale Mountains NP
Grant’s gazelle (Gazella granti) – 30 near Soda, south of Yabello
Soemmerrings gazelle (Gazella soemmerringi) – common at Awash NP and Ali Dege Plain
Gerenuk (Litocranius walleri) – 1-2 on two dates at Bilen Lodge
Beisa oryx (Oryx beisa) – common at Awash NP and Ali Dege Plain
Other
Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) – 3 Lake Biseka, Awash NP
Giant tortoise (Geochelone sp) – 1 Bilen Lodge